Brandywine Falls Provincial Park

Notice of road closures and/or delays due to Ironman event Sunday July 26, 2015.
For details on impacts to Highway 99 and Callaghan Valley Road please review the following when planning your trip:Information on road closuresRoad closure details

February 24, 2015: Please be advised of trail work from the parking lot area to Brandywine Falls, and from the falls to the bungee bridge via the Sea to Sky Trail. For your safety, use caution when workers and equipment are in the area.

Please note the addition of an updated Park Trail Map.[PDF 551KB] For the purpose of public safety and habitat protection, please obey posted signs and keep to designated trails.

About This Park

Brandywine Falls (the spectacular 70 metre waterfall) is best seen from the viewpoint which also presents some marvelous views of Daisy Lake and the surrounding mountains.

This park provides opportunities for hiking, picnicking, mountain biking and viewing of the waterfall. The park was tripled in size in 2010 to include unique habitat for red-legged frogs (a provincial “blue listed” species at risk). A number of existing recreation trails were included in the expanded park as well.

Park Size: 420 hectares

Stay Safe:

Bring your own drinking water as there is no potable water available in the park.

Campfires are not permitted in the park.

Location and Maps

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only – they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Maps and Brochures

Nature and Culture

History: The word brandy is actually the shortened word for brandywine. No one is completely sure about how the falls got their name, but one possible explanation is that two surveyors (Jack Nelson and Bob Mollison) for the Howe Sound and Northern Railway made a wager for a bottle of brandy about who could estimate more accurately the height of the falls. When the height was actually measured with a chain it was Mollison who won the bottle of brandy and Nelson then named the falls Brandywine.

Conservation: Here you will find basalt columns and lava flows covered by small ponds and a forest.

Management Planning

There is currently no approved valid management plan for this area. Management plans are prepared as soon as practicable, subject to available resources and the ability of key planning partners to participate.

Activities Available at this Park

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Sea to Sky Trail:
The newly completed 1.5 km section of the planned 180 km long Sea to Sky Trail leads in a north-east direction from the main Brandywine Falls Trail (after crossing the train tracks) to the Whistler Bungee bridge over the Cheakamus River. A packed gravel surfaced trail, mostly gentle grades (a few steep pitches and tight corners for mountain bikes) and suitable for families.

Lava Lake Trail:
After crossing the covered footbridge over Brandywine Creek from the parking lot, this 2.7 km trail starts left up a short but steep hill then wanders on gentle ground thru pine forest (rare for the coastal environment) and small lake areas to the north end of the park.

Hiking

For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Brandywine Falls Trail:Enjoy a 10 - 20 minute (one way) walk or snowshoe across the covered footbridge and through the forest to a new viewing platform overlooking Brandywine Falls. Continue along a new, short walking path to a second viewpoint of the falls and another of the surrounding area of Daisy Lake and the Black Tusk. Stay behind fences and away from the river’s edge. Use caution when crossing the Canadian National Rail line. Trails in the park are not maintained during the winter.

Swim Lake Trail:
This is a short branch off the the main Brandywine Falls Trail that starts just before the railway crossing. It’s a bit rough, with one short steep climb, leading to a small lake. The hardier person may wish to try swimming but there is no beach or dock or lifeguards. Keep your eye out for the rare, red-tailed frog that inhabits the marshes and ponds of the park.

Sea to Sky Trail:
As described in the Cycling section above, this trail is also suitable for hiking. Keep your eyes and ears alert for approaching cyclists.

Lava Lake Trail:
As described in the Cycling section above, this trail is also suitable for hiking. Keep your eyes and ears alert for approaching cyclists.

Pets on Leash

Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.

Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Wildlife Viewing

Brandywine Falls (a spectacular 70 metre waterfall) is best seen from the new viewing platform, completed in the spring of 2006 and perched high on the edge of a volcanic escarpment. Those who love heights will enjoy this one! Marvellous views of Daisy Lake and the surrounding mountains are also seen from the platform and from the other viewpoints described above.

Winter Recreation

The park trails provide good beginner snowshoe opportunities.

Facilities Available at this Park

Picnic Areas

This park has a day-use/picnic area with six picnic tables and pit toilets. There is a gate which is locked between the hours of 11:00PM and 7:00AM.